If the Giants refuse to match any offer, they would receive a first-round pick as compensation after protecting themselves by tendering the undrafted receiver and popular Paterson, N.J. native at a first-round restricted free-agent tender.

"It's the reality of this period of free agency. Is it likely? Probably,'' Tisch said of a potential offer for the 26-year-old slot receiver. "Then, we're going to have to deal with it.

"We're addressing that it's possible and then we'll address the reality when it happens.''

Tisch cited the recent deals signed by new New England Patriots receiver Danny Amendola for five years, $31 million and former Patriot Wes Welker's two-year, $12-million signing with the Denver Broncos as setting the slot receiver benchmark average of $6-million per season for Cruz.

"I think Victor is going to get a little higher than that,'' Tisch said. "Wes has been in the league longer. I'm really hopeful that I think Victor emotionally would like to stay with the Giants. I don't know if that's a tangible factor. I hope it is when you make a decision like this.''

"His agent change is a positive,'' Tisch said. "I have the utmost respect for Tom Condon. He's one of the top agents in the business and has been for a long time.

"We've had a number of dealings with Tom over the years, especially with Eli. We know Tom and Tom knows us. That's a good situation, not a bad situation. And it creates a shorthand that benefits both the Giants and Tom and his client.''